Photo/Jamie Richards After finishing runner-up in the region tournament, the ’Nettes will host Troup County this Friday in the first round of the state tournament.

The region tournament came and went last week with both the Dragons and the Nettes concluding their regular seasons. The Nettes played first on Monday against the Southeast Whitfield Raiders, needing a win to secure a third straight playoff appearance. The Nettes came out focused and took care of business, beating the Lady Raiders 73-34 led by Torrie Williams and her 17 points. Mykenzie Weaver added 15 while Sarah Morris and Shelby Cook had 13 and 11, respectively.

On Tuesday the Dragons were up faced against top ranked Northwest Whitfield. The Dragons managed to keep it close early against a very talented Bruin team that outscored them 22-15 in the first quarter. As the game wore on the Bruin offense was just too much for the Dragons who found themselves down 13 at the half 41-28. The Dragons continued to be outmatched in the second half and ultimately fell to the Bruins 83-49 effectively wrapping up their sea

son.

Seth Bishop led all Dragon scorers with 18 points while Chase Simmons added 10 more of his own.

Thursday evening the Nettes took on the Heritage Generals in a matchup where the winner would be guaranteed to host a state playoff game. Senior Shelby Cook played her best game of the season, scoring 17 points and leading the Nettes to a 52-43 victory over the Lady Generals. Mykenzie Weaver also had 17 while Mackenzie Hampton added nine more. With the win the Nettes were off to the championship game to face off with the Lady Bruins of Northwest Whitfield.

The championship game was played on Friday night, pitting the Nettes against the top ranked Lady Bruins who were 25-3 on the season and had hardly played a close game within the region all year, but the Nettes were definitely up to the challenge. The Nettes played some of their best defense of the season and edged out the Lady Bruins 13-6 in the first quarter. They carried that momentum into the second quarter and managed to go into halftime with a two point lead. The second half was back and forth with both teams trying to hold on to small leads and the other side fighting to get it back. With 30 seconds left in the game Senior Allie Stephens hit a clutch three pointer that gave the Nettes a one point lead. But alas it was not to be as the Lady Bruins managed to come back and win 36-34 in a very hard fought match.

The Nettes will play host to Troup County this Friday night at 7 p.m. in the first round of the GHSA State Girls Basketball Tournament. Make plans to come out and support the girls as they look to continue their season.